Akbayan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno on Monday urged the government to prepare for the prompt release of the ₱2.5 billion fuel subsidy earmarked under the 2025 national budget as global crude oil prices continue to rise. The subsidy is intended to assist public utility vehicle drivers, taxi and tricycle operators, and those in ride-hailing services when crude oil prices exceed $80 per barrel for one month.
The call comes as the Department of Energy announced an impending fuel price hike on Tuesday, with gasoline expected to increase by ₱1.35–₱1.60 per liter, diesel by ₱2.30–₱2.60 per liter, and kerosene by ₱2.30–₱2.50 per liter.
“The government must closely monitor these successive oil price hikes and step on the pedal to ensure the efficient disbursement of the ₱2.5 billion fuel subsidies,” Diokno said. “Ang mabilisang paglabas ng pondo ay malaking ginhawa para sa ating mga kababayan na lubhang apektado ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo. Swift action can mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on transport workers and commuters alike.”
Under the 2025 budget, fuel subsidies can be released when the price of Dubai crude oil reaches $80 per barrel. Diokno stressed that delays in disbursement would exacerbate the burden on transport workers and the commuting public, especially as fuel prices continue to rise.
Akbayan also called on the government to study the inclusion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in food production in the subsidy program. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are nearly 191,000 MSMEs in the food and accommodation sector as of 2023. “Bukod sa mabilis na paglabas ng subsidy, hinihikayat natin ang pamahalaan na palawigin ito upang maisama ang mga maliliit na negosyong nasa food production, kasama na ang mga small eateries, restaurants, carinderias, at street vendors,” Diokno said.
Diokno noted that a significant portion of these businesses’ costs comes from transporting goods and preparing food. “Providing them with fuel subsidies will directly benefit their customers by keeping food prices more affordable,” he added.
“Fuel prices affect everyone, but the hardest hit are transport workers, small business owners, and ordinary consumers. The government must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that subsidies are ready to cushion the blow,” Diokno concluded.